8.

Use only additional devices and accessories recommended

by the manufacturer. Disconnect the device from mains in
case of thunder-storm or when the device is not in use for
prolonged time.

9.

All works related to the device repair must be done only by

qualified service personnel.

10. WARNING! All service instructions are intended only for

qualified personnel in order to avoid electric shock; do not
carry out any repair works which are not described in the
instruction manual. Repair works must be carried out only
by qualified experts.
Contents
Important instructions
Complete set
Introduction
Before you start
Specifications
Power adapter low-voltage contacts arrangement
Controls
Front panel
Rear panel
Only for qualified service personnel
Tube replacement
Connections and switching
Block diagram
References

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IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS!
NON-OBSERVANCE OF THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAN CAUSE
DAMAGE OF THE DEVICE. THE DAMAGES RESULTED BY NONOBSERVANCE OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAKE THE WARRANTY VOID.

After transportation or storage of the product under

negative temperatures, before switching the device on it is
necessary to leave the device under room temperature in
its original package for AT LEAST 2 hours!

Safety precautions

To connect the guitar preamp to other devices use only the

cables intended for such connections.

CAUTION! Risk of electric shock! Danger! Even after disconnection from

mains the internal circuits can be up to 500 Volts live.
In order to avoid electric shock you must not remove
the cover the rear panel of the device. There are no
user serviceable parts inside. Repair of the device can
be carried out only by qualified experts. If the device is not used it must be
disconnected from mains.
WARNING! In order to avoid fire or electric shock the device must not be exposed to
rain or moisture. Do not let water or other liquid get inside the device. Do not place
vessels such as vases filled with liquid on top of the device.

You must not use other cables types such as speaker, etc.

This symbol indicates the presence of non-insulated

dangerous voltage inside the device and the danger of
electric shock.
This symbol indicates important information related to the
device maintenance and servicing contained in the
accompanying documentation.

SWITCHING ON the guitar preamp:

Switch the device on ONLY AFTER YOU HAVE DONE all

audio connections!

Before connecting the preamp to mains make sure that the

case, the connecting cable and the of the power adapter
have no damages such as cuts, cracks, dents, etc. and are
operational.

To switch the preamp on first insert the low-voltage

connector of the power adapter into corresponding jack on
the rear panel of the guitar preamp and only then plug the
adapter into the mains outlet.

SWITCHING OFF the guitar preamp:

To switch the preamp off first disconnect the power
adapter from mains and then disconnect its low-voltage
connector from the jack on the rear panel of the guitar
preamp.

Please read the instruction manual very carefully.

1.

Keep the user's guide at hand.

2.

Pay attention to warnings.

COMPLETE SET

3.

Follow all instructions related to device operation.

The complete set includes:

4.

To clean the device, use only a dry cloth having disconnected

the device from mains prior to that.

5.

You must not block or cover vent slots. When installing the
device, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

6.

Do not place the device near heat sources, keep it from direct
sunlight.

7.

Lay the mains cable so that it is not stepped on and avoid its
contact with sharp corners, etc. If you use the plug or outlet for
switching the device off they should be easily accessible.

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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

The guitar preamp

Power adapter
Instruction manual
Packaging
Warranty card

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INTRODUCTION
The SS-20 guitar preamp is intended for use in studio and live performances. The
principle and the motto of this device: it is the TUBE that sounds in
SS-20, but the transistors do their best to make it sound in all its
beauty and originality not by limiting but helping the TUBE! In order to
make tube drivers fully open under the "hottest" conditions they need huge
amplitude - a hundred and more volts. The dynamic behavior characteristic to
authentic tube preamps have been realized in SS-20 due to the omission of op amp
which normally limits the signal in the preliminary amplification sector to 20 250 V,
and application of special drivers capable of up to 250V amplitude and possessing
the nonlinearity similar to 127 triode. In this way we have managed to realize the
complete delivery of guitar signal avoiding usual hybrid "stiffness" as well as to give
SS-20 its peculiar characteristic sound.
The special attention was given to the clean channel - there we also tried to provide
the maximum guitar signal dynamics simultaneously forming soft "nonlinearity"
inherent in vacuum triodes drivers. It also allowed us to avoid both "stiffness" and
"refinement" which are often found in hybrid devices having CLEAN-channel.
When building the internal preamp structure we were guided by the principle of
maximum use of amplification and nonlinear transformation of the tube sector of the
device. Thus, the semi-conductor part of a hybrid practically does not participate in
limitation process (except for preamp use in LEAD mode with Gain LEAD level of
over 7) and the entire spectrum is formed by the tube part of the preamp.
Architecture and features of SS-20 guitar pedal:
9

Unique hybrid circuitry.

Two full-potential channels: CLEAN and DRIVE with the possibility of DRIVE
channel operating in two basic modes: the mode of moderate sensitivity
(CRUNCH), the mode of high sensitivity (LEAD).

CLEAN channel has a separate tone-volume controls unit and adjustments of

sensitivity and output level.

DRIVE channel has separate tone-volume controls and adjustments of

sensitivity and output level.

Sequential break (LOOP).

Possibility of operation with specialized guitar amplifiers (OUTPUT) and mixers

or linear power amplifiers (OUTCAB.EMUL.).

LEAD channel is designed for modern, extremely aggressive sounds for players
who use both standard and lowered tuning. Carefully calculated spectral and tone
balances of the channel are good for modern punch and bright flageolets and
extreme readability fast licks. Thus, the channel can be used both for aggressive
rhythm parts and for brightly outlined solos.
CRUNCH channel is distinguished by lesser overall sensitivity but possesses high
universality. The user can choose using PRE-EQ switch for one of the three variants
of preliminary signal correction having different tone balance between the lowest and
highest frequencies which allows to use the channel both for "rhythm" and "solo".
The wide adjustment range of sensitivity in combination with expanded possibilities
of target tone adjustments results in the sound starting from light airy crunch to
dense and bright Lead channel-like heavy sounding.

WARNING!
Please be aware that high sound volume can harm your hearing
and / or to damage the speakers of your PA system. Before
switching the device on turn the controls "VOLUME" into
extreme left position (counter-clockwise). Always try to adhere
to moderate level of volume.

Specifications

Tubes
12AX7 (ECC-83)
INPUT
Impedance
Sensitivity
RETURN
Impedance
Sensitivity
OUTPUT
Output impedance
Output signal level
OUT CAB.EMUL.
Output impedance
Output signal level
SEND
Output impedance
Output signal level
Power supply
Voltage
Current
Power adapter
Voltage
Current
Dimensions / Weight
NET dimensions (WxHxD). (Without
power adapter)
NET weight (without power adapter)
GROSS dimensions (WxHxD).
GROSS weight

1
1,0 M Ohm
-10dB
1,0 M Ohm
-10dB
10k Ohm
+10dB
10k Ohm
-10dB
10k Ohm
-10dB
DC 12V
0,5A
DC 12V
1,25A
119x57x103 mm
0,52 kg
About 206x83x140mm.
About 0,78 kg

Use
only
auxiliary
devices
recommended by the manufacturer.

CLEAN channel is designed for classical clean sound with graceful light limitation in
the mode of the maximum sensitivity and crystal cleanliness and brightness within
the zone of moderate sensitivity value. It has separate controls of sensitivity and
output level.

Before you start

For the purpose of transportation the device was carefully packed by the
manufacturer. However, if cardboard packaging is damaged, it is necessary to check
the device for the presence of external damages.

In case of damages do not send the device to us, but inform the
seller and transport agency since otherwise you lose the right
to damage compensation.

In order to avoid damages during storage and transportation

always use original packaging.

Do not allow children to play with the device and packaging

materials.

Please recycle all packaging materials in the way harmless to

environment.

In order to avoid the device overheating provide sufficient air

flow, do not cover and do not place it near other heatgenerating devices.

Operating the device next to powerful radio transmitters and

sources of high-frequency signals can lead to significant sound
distortion. In this case increase the distance between the
device and the transmitter and use the screened cables for all
interconnections.

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and

accessories

CONTROLS

WARNING! All cable connections must be made ONLY

WITH GUITAR PREAMP SWITCHED OFF!

Front panel

For qualified personnel only

DANGER! High voltage!
Even after disconnection from mains the internal
circuits can be up to 500 Volts live. In order to avoid
electric shock you must not remove the cover the rear
panel of the device. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
Repair of the device can be carried out only by qualified
experts. If the device is not used it must be disconnected from
mains.
The preamp circuitry is powered by high-tension current.
To avoid damages or injuries caused by fire or shortcircuit do not let any foreign objects or liquids inside the
device.

Tube replacement
Tube replacement procedure:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.

VOLUME control of channel B. Determines the volume level of DRIVE

channel.
VOLUME control of channel . Determines the volume level of CLEAN
channel.
Channel CLEAN indicator.
BASS control of channel A. Sets the low-frequency range of CLEAN
channel.
MIDDLE control of channel A. Sets the mid-frequency range of CLEAN
channel.
TREBLE control of channel A. Sets the high-frequency range of CLEAN
channel.
GAIN CR switch for step change of tube driver frequency
characteristics of B channel (DRIVE) in CRUNCH mode.
GAIN CLEAN control of channel A. Sets the sensitivity level of CLEAN
channel.
GAIN LEAD control of B channel. Sets DRIVE channel sensitivity level
in LEAD mode.
channel DRIVE indicator in LEAD mode.
GAIN CRUNCH control of B channel. Sets DRIVE channel sensitivity
level in CRUNCH mode.
CRUNCH / LEAD footswitch for switching between CRUNCH and
LEAD modes in DRIVE mode.
channel DRIVE indicator in CRUNCH mode.
TREBLE control of channel B. Sets DRIVE channel high-frequency
response.
MIDDLE control of channel B. Sets DRIVE channel mid-frequency
response.
BASS control of channel B. Sets DRIVE channel low-frequency
response.
CHANNEL A / CHANNEL B footswitch for switching between CLEAN
and DRIVE channels.
Top tube protective cover.
B DRIVE channel indicator.

1.

Remove top tube protective cover (part 18) by unscrewing 4 (four)

fastening screws.

2.

Remove bottom cover of the guitar preamp (part 26) by unscrewing

4 (four) fastening screws.

3.

Remove old tube.

4.

Replace it with new tube.

5.

Replace bottom cover and top tube protective cover of the guitar
preamp.

For replacement use only the tubes recommended by the manufacturer.

AUDIO CONNECTIONS AND SWITCHING.

WARNING! All cable connections must be made ONLY

WITH GUITAR PREAMP SWITCHED OFF!
The diagram of possible audio connections of the preamp with external units.

Rear panel

20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.

INPUT for guitar connection.

DC 12V jack for power adapter connection.
RETURN input for connection of external effect unit (-10dB).
SEND output for signal sending to external effect unit (-10dB).
OUT CAB.EMUL. for connection to Line input of mixing console.
OUTPUT to amplifier.
Bottom cover of the guitar preamp.

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AMT Electronics has the right without any prior notice to bring changes in the design
and exterior of the device which in no way will worsen its consumer value. Therefore,
the specifications and the exterior view of the product might differ from the ones
shown in this manual.

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